IELTS
MAXIMISER
EDUCATIONAL BOOK
SPEA
Sample
Interview
Questions
WITH ANSWERS & TEACHER'S GUIDE
FOR & AGA I\:ST
PROS & CONS
CA USE & [FI-I:CT
Highly recommended for all candidates preparing for
FCE
I
TOEFL
I
INTRODUCTlON:
• Aims of IELTS MAXlMISER Educational Book:
IELTS MAX/MlSER Educational Book has been primarily designed for candidates aiming to
achieve a band score of6 or 7 on the Speaking Test of the IELTS exam, although candidates
intending to achieve a band score of 5 will also benefit from the book, it covers many
aspects of the interview with ample samples and provides a considerable number of highlyfocused ideas to improve candidates' perfonnance.
• Content of the book:
This topic-based book consists of three parts, each of which concentrates on various
IELTS-type questions.
Part 1 presents a range of questions with sample answers mainly connected to home life,
education, job, interests, hometown and future plans. The suggested answers present a
range of functions that students may need during the speaking test.
Part 2 contains 100 topic cards with 20 sample answers.
Part 3 is divided into 100 A-Z topics. Each comprising a number of key words in which
the target key words and ideas are contextualized. In part 3, there is a section entitled
'Discussion Questions' at the end of each topic to activate the students' production of the
themes in a discussion.
contains interview extension activities for further practice or homework. These revision
activities specifically designed to consolidate the answers presented.
includes 'Speak ing Test Tips' to help students increase thei r band scores.
has a Teacher's Guide, giving many invaluable hints.
• Special features of the book:
-
-
-
designed to be appropriate for all candidates of the LEL TS Speaking test.
provides a rich source of infonnation and language that allows for a great amount of
candidate personalisation and response in each topic.
offers systematic vocabulary development and presents key words in conceptua l ideas
mainly provided in the format of 'Pros and Cons', 'For and Against ' and 'Cause and
Effect' .
contains a large number of controversial issues followed with thought-provoking
discussion questions. The aim has been to encourage critical thinking and discussion in
IELTS preparation classes.
provides a rich source ofinfonnation and language input for IELTS Writing (Task 2).
can be used in any order, depending on the student' s needs, level , aims and available
time.
is suitab le for both independent study and classroom use.
is highly recom mended for all candidates preparing for TOEFL, FCE and CAE
examinations.
I hope you enjoy studyingJELTS Maximiser and have success with the book!
ALtytzct Mew-ctl'Zctcteh
Your comments on this book are welcomed at: feedback@ ieltsmaximiser.com
www.IELTSMAXIMISER.com
v
An Overview orIELTS Speaking
Module format:
IELTS Speaking is a one-la-one interaction between the cand idate and an examiner. The three
parts g ive the candidate the opportunity to use a range of different speaking skill s.
IELTS Speaking is recorded.
Timing:
11 - 14 minutes
SPEAKING TEST FORMAT
Part
Task types
J
Introduction and interview:
Vou answer questions about you rself, your home, family, job, studies,
interests and other familiar topics.
Timing
4- 5
minutes
Independent long turn:
2
You are given a topic verba lly and on a card. You have a minute to
prepare a talk.
3- 4
You speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic, e.g. a person, place, object or
minutes
event.
You answer one o r two fo ll ow-up questions.
Discussion:
3
You answer verbal questions, di scussing more abst ract ideas linked to
the topic of Part 2.
4- 5
minutes
Assessment criteria:
The a im of the test is to assess your ability to commun icate effectively. The interviewer considers
this ability in four different ways:
•
Fluency and coherence
•
Lexical Resources
•
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
•
Pronunciation
All criteria have equa l weighting.
VI
-
-
Functions:
The speech fun ctions whi ch occur regularly in the test arc:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Providing personal and non-personal information
Expressing opinions & Justifying opinion s
Expressing likes and di slikes
Giving reason s
Explaining & Descri bing in detail s
Pointing out both the pos iti ve and negative aspects
Suggesti ng
Discussing situations as they were in the past
Specul ating (Imaging the situation as they mi ght be in the future)
Ex pressing a preference
Comparing &Contrasting
Summari sing
Narrating and paraphras ing
•
Analysing
•
Repairing a conversat ion
Notice: (I" July 2007)
The Writ ing and Speaking modules are reported in whole or half-band in the same way as the
Readin g and Listening modul es .
The argu men t put forward in the topics do not necessarily reflect the personal idea of the author.
V II
Contents:
Part 1
Vill
Tips of part 1
3
General (Interview)
5
General (Questions)
8
Daily routines (Interview)
9
Daily routines (Questions)
9
Family (Interview)
10
Family (Questions)
16
Friends (Interview)
17
Friends (Questions)
19
Home (Interview)
20
Home (Questions)
22
Neighbourhood (Interview)
23
Neighbourhood (Questions)
24
Holiday (Interview)
25
Holiday (Questions)
28
Hobbies, like and dislikes (Interview)
29
Hobbies, like and dislikes (Questions)
35
Hometown (Interview)
37
Hometown (Questions)
40
Country (Interview)
41
Country (Questions)
42
Health (Interview)
44
Health (Questions)
45
Food (Interview)
46
Food (Questions)
47
Shopping (Interview)
48
Shoppin g (Questions)
49
Colours and season s (Interv iew)
49
Colours and seasons (Q uestions)
51
Vo lunteer (Interv iew)
51
Vo lunteer (Questi ons)
51
Educati on (In terview)
52
Education (Question s)
58
Languages (Intervi ew)
60
Languages (Questions)
62
Job (Interview)
63
Job (Questions)
71
Persona li ty (Intervi ew)
73
Personality (Questio ns)
76
100 MY questions
77
IX
Part 2
Tips of part 2
85
100 Topic cards
89
Topic cards
I. Describe how to usc a pi ece of equipment.
102
2. Describe a me mber of your famil y who arc very cl ose to.
103
3. Describe someone that you admire.
104
4. Describe a situation when someone didn ' t like you.
105
5. Describe a useful website that you have visited.
106
6. Describe a gift YOLI have rece ived that was important to you.
107
7. Describe a room that you like.
108
8. Describe an exam ex peri ence you had .
109
9. Describe a popular person who lives in your ne ighbo urhood.
11 0
10. Talk about your fa vourite free time activ ity.
111
II . Describe a dish that you know how 10 make.
I 12
12. Talk about the best city/country that you have been to.
11 3
13. Describe your favourite pi ece of clothing.
114
14. Talk about one of your friends.
115
15. Describe the process of gett ing a job in your country.
11 6
16. Describe a serious problem in your hometown/city
11 7
17. Talk about your favourite actor/actress.
118
18. Talk about a festiva l or national holiday in your country.
119
19. Describe an occasion when you had an enj oyable mea L
120
20. Describe a place where you go shopping for clothes.
121
Linking words and phrases
x
122
Part 3
Tips of part 3
133
100 Absolutely Essential Topics (A-Z)
-
I.
Accidents
26. Cri me
5 1. GM food
76. Obesi ty
2.
Acid rai n
27 . Cultura l heritage
52. Happiness
77. Over population
J.
Addiction
28. Culture
53. High ri se bui ldi ngs
78. Parenting
4.
Adoption
29. Culture shock
54 . History
79. Personal ity
5.
Advertising
30. Diet
55. Hobbies
80. PelS
6.
Aging
3 1. Disability
56. Holiday
81. Poverty
7.
Agriculture
32. Distance learning
57. Home schooling
82. Public transport
8.
Aids
33 . Divorce
58. Homclcssncss
83. Recycling
9. Air poll ution
34. Dopi ng
59. Housing
84 . Satellites
10. Animal testi ng
35. Education
60. Ill iteracy
85. School discipl ine
II. An
36. Energy
6 1. Industria l relations
86. Smoking
12. Astrology
37. En vironment
62 . (The) intemet
87. Space expiorulion
13 .
38. Fame
63. Jobs
88. Spon
14. Brain drai n
39. Family
64. Juvenile delinquency
89. Sporting even ts
15. Bribery
40. Family ties
65. Lan guage
90. Sportsmanship
16. Charity
41. Famine
66. Law
9 1. Stress
17. Child care
42 . Fashion, clothin g
67. Life ex pectancy
92. Success
18. Child labou r
43. Fear
68. Marria ge
93 . Tou rism
19. Childhood
44. Festivals
69. Mass media
94. Tra mc
20. Children's education 45. Field trips
70. Memory
95 . TV
21. City life
46. Film
71. Mi gration
96. Unemployment
22. Climate
47. Friendshi p
72. Modern life
97. Urban spraw l
23. Computer games
48. Generation gap
73. Music
98. Violencc
24 . Computerisation
49 . Global warm ing
74 . Natural disasters
99. Watcr pollu tion
25 . Country life
50 . Global isalion
75. Noise pollution
100. Zoos
Automation
C ri tica l think ing
195
Genera l Tips
199
Sel f Assessment
203
Teacher's Guide
204
XI
PART 1
INTRODUCTION AND INTERVIEW
ParI I
3
TIPS OF PART I
Speaking test
Part 1:
Introduction and Interview (4 - 5 minutes)
The examiner will introduce himself or herse lf and confiml your identity. You answcr
general questions about yoursel f, your home, your job, your interests and a range of simi lar
topic areas.
DOS AND DONTS
•
Be aware of question types; the areas covered are fairly predictable so
practise at home recordi ng ideas onlo a lape recorder.
• Keep in mind that examiners can assess whal they hear. They will expect you
to speak up so don't give one or two word answers.
• Make sure to relate yo ur answer to the interviewer's question. First,
answer the question then give 'Added In formation'.
Examiner: Do you have any plans/or going to university?
Candidate: That's fOr sure. I 'd like to major in chemical engineering.
Examiner: Do you like swimming?
Candidate: Yes, I @ but I don't get much time to go swimming these days.
•
In general, good answers have ' main and supporting ideas '.
-
•
J love swimming because it's so relaxing. Besides, it helps me be in shape.
Main idea
Support ing idea 1
Supporting idea 2
Use appropriate linlting words. e,g. Because, Besides.
- I love swimming because it 's so relaxing Besides. it helps me be in shape.
Linkin g word I
Linking words 2
• Tfyou can't think ofa word, simply paraphrase it.
-
He's a reliable person.
He 's the sort of person
-
She's so punctual.
She's never late; always on time.
YOU
can ahvavs trust /depend on.
4
I'art I
•
Repl y by offeri ng a fu ll and appropriate response in each case. Always add some
extra information to your answer; you are unlikely to get a second chance to
answer them, but don't anticipate related questions. For example, if you are
asked what your job is, a sui table answer would be:
1 workfor a market research company. We do market research for companies
thaI are planning to develop new products.
NOT f work/or a markel research company. We do market research/or
companies that are planning 10 develop new products. My job is very
demanding. 11 requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to
gel the right results. The best thing about my job is the team that I work
with. My work starts at 9 am andfinishes at 7 pm.
As this sounds li ke a 'learned answer' and the examiner's next question might be:
How do you like your job? OR
Tell me about your working hours.
•
In order to present yourself in the best way possible, you should try to sound
positive about your past, present and future.
•
Listen to the questions carefull y and make sure you answer the question;
answer the questions directly and to the point.
•
It is important to relax and speak confidently.
•
There are a number of ex press ions used to express your feelings.
-
-
-
I 'm vefY interested in
... seems/antastie
I'mfand 0/ ..
f am keen on ...
That sounds like jlln
... would be really rewarding/ a lot oJfim
... sounds more interesting than ...
... is so absorbing
1find if really Irelpfid
... seems pretty difficult
... is rather complicated
... was ralher difficUlt
.. . was milch more dijJicult in compared with ...
... sounds kind of boring
... . doesn't interest me
To be honest, 1 don '( enjoy ...
rve lost interest in ...
-
Part t
5
IELTS MAX IMISER
[GOLDEN IDEAS]
There is no right or wrong answer for th is kind of lest.
Check the most appropriate answer, underline the key words, and try to keep the ideas in your mind.
GENERAL
Interview
Exa miner: I' m [... ]; your examiner. Cou ld you tell me your name pl ease?
Candidate: Well, my (fu ll) name is [... ].
Alternative answers:
~ My first name is [... ]. It is a very common name in my co untry and my famil y name is [ .. .].
o My fi rst name is [... ] . .. cr. .. whic h means [... ] and my surname is [.. .]. I would appreciate if
you called me [ ... ].
D Your ans,ver: ........ ...... ....... ... . , ................................................. .. ...... ..... .
Examiner: What would you like rne to ca ll you?
Candidate: Please ca ll me [ ... ].
Alternative answers:
D [... ] please.
o Your answer: ... , .. .... . .•. .. ...... .•.... .. . .. . . .... .•. .... ..... •...... ........ ...... , .... •. ... •.....
Examiner: Could you give me your identification please?
Ca ndidate: Oh, sure, here it is.
Alternative answers:
Here you are.
Yep! Here you go.
o Your ans~ver: .............................. .. .. . .... ... ........ .. ... .. ......... .. ... .. .... . ......... .
o
o
Examiner: How did you get your name? /
Candidate: Urn ... 1 was named after my grandfather.
Alternative answers:
Well, I was named by my mother, you know, [ ... ] is my mother's favourite name.
D Your 3nS \Ver: ....... .... ..................... ...... ........ . .......... ... ................................. .
o
Examiner: Does your name have a special meaning? /
Candidate: Yes, it does. The English eq uivalent of my first name wou ld be somethin g like [... ]
and also my famil y Il ame mea ns [... ].
I'art I
6
Alte rnative answers:
o
o
No, I don't think so. It'sjust a nam e ofa (an Iranian) poet/writer/etc.
Your ans\'Vcr: .................................................. ...... ................. .. ... . ......... .
Examiner: Is your name important to you? (Why?) .,/
Candidate: Yes, it is. Names can make unconsc ious impression on people.
Alternative answers:
o No, I don't think it can do anything for me. r believe that 1 myself shou ld determine my
o
future irrespective of what my name is. Actually, I try to do this by acqu iring more
qualifications and working hard.
Your ans\ver: ...................................... ... ... . ............... ... ........................... .
Examiner: How old are you?
Candidate: I am [ ... ] years old. In other words, I was born in 1980. On the third of March 1980,
to be exact.
Alternative answers:
I'm [ ... ) years or age. 1 was born in 1980.
Your answer: .............................. .. . .
o
o
Examiner: Cou ld you tell me where you arc from? (Where do you come from?) / '
Candidate: I was born in [ ... J city, you know, one of the largest cities in my country. 1 moved
to [ ... ] city just fi ve years ago.
Alternative answers:
I was bom in [ ... J; a sma ll town in th e sout h of my country, but 1 grew up in [ ... ] city.
I hail from a coasta l city with lovely weather in the north of my country; called [ ... J,
I come from [ ... ] c ity. You know, a beautiful city with a great climate. My parents have
been living there for th e past twenty years or so. I grew up there.
city. You know .. .a busy city with a pop ulation of over one million people. But
actually, llive about twenty kilometres out of town on a sma ll farm.
I am from a sma ll village in the mountains; a long way from the capital city of my country.
Your answer: ........... .......... ................................................................... ..
o
o
o
o [... ]
o
o
Examiner: How long have you li ved in [ ... ]? ./'
Candidate: Since I was le n.
AJternative answers:
When I was a c hild ; at the age of 10, my parents moved to [ ... J because ormy father's job.
We have been living here si nce 1990.
Ten years in total.
Your answer: .............................. .
o
o
o
Examiner: W hat is/are your goa l(s)/ambition(s) for the future? ../
Candidate: I hope I' ll have made a career move and taken a management position by the time
I'm thirty five. 1 think, at present, studying management is the right thing to do.
Part 1
7
Alternative answers:
o Saving enough money to buy an apartment. Most army income is spent on rent.
o The future is a lways uncertai n, yet J know what I want to do. My goal is to run a compa ny
of my own someday.
Well, I would like to improve my career prospects by obtaining a university degree.
o One goa l I'd li ke to ha ve reac hed by next year is to have my own busi ness. III fact, J intend
to lISC my uni ve rsi ty educat ion practically.
o If possible, I' d like to co ntinue my ed ucation in onc of lh e Engli sh-speakin g countries.
My ambition is bein g ab le to speak Spanish flu ent ly. I'm reall y interested in Spani sh
o
o
language. T'm bound to learn it.
o Improv ing my computer sk ill s. In my job, being familiar with office programmes is a must.
o Well,
o
o
j
'e
ut
Examiner: Tell me about your mili tary service . ./
Candidate: Lcompleted my military service in the A ir Force just five years ago.
Alternative answers:
Actually, I was exempted from military service because of my poor eyesight.
I am doing my military service as an offi cer in [ .. .].
o Your answer: ....... .. .. . .................. .... ........ .... ................................. . .... . .... .
o
o
Examiner: What was your military se rvice like? ,/
Candida te: Pretty hard. 1 served in a remote area far from my hometown.
Alternative answers:
shou ld admit that I was very lucky to serve in my ow n hometown .. . um ... it wasn 't very
o,
o
,b.
ime
-
in the next three months, I hope I'll have completed my uni vers ity degree, and
hopefull y working as a n accountant.
Travel ling around th e world. T certainly need a lot of money to do that Seemingly, the
chances are pretty s lim.
Your ans\\'er: ... .......... ...... . ..... . ... .... ... . .......... . ..... ...... .... . .. .. .. .... . .............. .
hard.
Your ans\vcr: .. ......... .. ... .... ....... ..... ........ ... ......... .... ........ ... . ..... .... ........ ... . .
Ex aminer: Do you think your military service he lped you become more mature?
Candid ate: Oh, very much so. Although it was hard, it helped me develop my character and
discip line.
Alternative answers:
o Yes, to a great extent. It reall y helped me discover my hidden talents.
o Your ans\ver: ..... .. ........... .. ...... ......... . ............ ... ...... . ..... .. . .. ....... .. ....... . .... .
,
Part I
8
GENERAL
Questions
I. Have you got or had any nicknames?
2. How do you like your name?
3. If you could change your name, what would it be? Why?
4. What is the mos t common name in your country?
5. Why have you chosen to live overseas?
6. What country do you wa nt to li ve in?
7. What were the best years of you r life?
8. What were th e worst years of your life?
9. If you had three wishes, what would they be, and why?
10. What are your s h o rt ~ tenn goa ls?
II. How do YOli inte nd to achieve your goa ls?
12. What important goals have you sct in the past, and how successful ha ve you been
III
ach ieving them?
13. What do you hope to accomplish w ithin the nex t ten years? How do YOll seek to fulfil these
goals?
14. What personal factors do you consider most important
III
evaluating yo urself or your
success?
15. How have your dreams and goa ls changed th rough your life?
16. If you could re- live your last 10 years, what changes wou ld you makc?
17. As you look back on your life, what accomplishments do you tak e the most pride in?
18. How would you compare yourse lf today and yoursclfwith five years ago, in what ways are
yo u the sa me or different?
19. How would you feel if you failed to achieve any of your goals?
20. Tell me about some of your recent goals, and what you did to achieve them?
2 1. Describe the most significant success that you had in the last two years.
22. Tell me about something you did that now you wish you had not done .
•
•
Part I
9
DAI LY ROUTINES
Interview
Examiner: Tell me abo ut a typical day in your life.
Candid:ttc: I have a hectic lifestyle. During the week I usua ll y get up at 6:30 a.I11, you know , I
am an early bird. r go jogging for about 30 minutes then 1 usually get dressed and
have breakfast around 7:30. Of course, 1 sometim es skip breakfast.
r leave horne at
about 8 a.m and get to work by 9 a.m. I take a lunch break about 1:00 p.m. E r. .. for
lunch, I usua ll y heat up a fro zen meal or order a takeaway. 1 leave work around
7:00 p.m and get home by 8:00 p.m. Most nights I go to bed at about I I :30 p.m. I
think the best way to gel the most o ut of a day is to usc your time efficiently.
Alternative answers:
I have a very free and easy lifesty le. J usually get up late, around 10:00. Er. . .l have lunch
about 2:00 pm, in most the evenings, J go wal king with my friends. I usua ll y ha ve dinner
around II :30 and go to bed at about 2:00 am. Maybe I sho uld chan ge my lifestyle and break
the habit of staying up too late.
o J get up around 7:00 a.m and work fro m 8:00 3.m to 9:00 p.m. I get home fairly late; about
9:30 and I'm usuall y in bed by I J :30 p.m. Perhaps my life isn' t very exciting, but I lik e it.
Your ans\\'cr: ........... .. . ............. . .. . ...... . ... .... .. .. .... ........... .... .... . ... . .... . ... . ... .
o
o
Examiner: What do you usually do at weekends?
Candidate: Since J li ve alone, at weekends, I usuall y stay at home and do the household
chorcs ... er ... things like doing the laundry, iro ning a nd vacuuming.
Alternativc answers:
At weekends, I usually stay at home and rel ax. A fter a busy week, I feel I deserve some rest
and relaxation.
o I usually go out with friends. Sometimes, I have my friends ove r for dinner.
Your ans\ver: ........................... . ...................................................... . ..... . .
o
o
DAILY ROUTINES
Questions
l. What is your daily rout in e like? How do you feel and react when thi s routine is interrupted
for some reason? Would you like to change an ything in yo ur dai ly routine?
2. If you could, what would you like to change in your daily routin e?
3. How do you usually schedule your time?
4. How many hours per day do yo u usuall y sleep?
Part I
10
FAM ILY
Interview
Examiner: Can you tell me a little about your family?
Candidate: Well, T have a brother and a s ister. I am the eldest, my brother is the youngest and
my sister is the second child.
Alternative answers:
have a large family. 1 have three brothers and two sisters. I am the youngest. One of my
brothers sti ll li ves with my parents. My other sib lin gs have all married and moved to their
o[
o
o
o
o
o
own homes.
r come from a big family of s ix chil dren. I have three brothers and two sisters. I'm the
youngest.
I come from a relatively large family. I have an elder brother and three younger sisters.
Well, there are five of us altogether including my grandparents.
r have one brother and one sister. I'm the middle child.
I'm an only child. I live with my parents.
D Your ans\ver: .............................................. . .... . ............... . ..................... .
Examiner: Where are your pa rents from?
Candidate: Urn ... th ey were both born and raised in [ ... 1city ... er. .. wcll, a city in the west of
my country.
Alternative answers:
D My mother is from a city called [ ... J, and my father is originally from [ ... J city.
D They are from [ ... ]; a city located in the east of my country.
D Your ans\"er: .................................................................................... .
Examiner: Do you live with you r parents?
Candidate: Yes, I do. I live with my parents.
Alternative answers:
D I used to live with my parents until two years ago, but now, I live on my own.
D At present, I live with my parents. Of course, I am goi ng to live independently in no time.
D Your ans\ver: ......................................................................................... .
Examiner: Are you married?
Candidate: Yes, I am. j married three years ago.
Alternative answers:
D Yes, I am. Next month, J will have been married fo r ten years.
D Weil , I got engaged three months ago and I'm getting married next month.
D Your answer: ............... ....... .. .... .................................................. .. ......... .
Part 1
11
Examiner: Do you have any chi ldren?
Candidate: Yes, I do. I have a daughter. She is three years old.
Alternative answers:
No, I don't. But we arc planning to start a family as soon as we have our own house.
D Your ans\ver: ., ........... , ........................................................................... .
o
Examiner: Tell me about you r grandparents.
Candidate: Actually, my grandpa rents passed away when 1 was a chjld.
Alternative answers:
o My grandmother is about eighty years of age, fortunately still hale and hearty, and young at
heart. Wow! She used to tell me lots of heart-warming stories when I was a child, but
unfortunately I did not have the privilege or seeing my grandfather.
o Your ans\\'er: " .. .... ................. .. ............................................................ .
Exam iner: Do your grandparents li ve with you?
Candidate: Yes, my matemal grandmother does. She 's been living with us for te n yea rs. She is
such a blessing in our family.
Alternative answers:
o My grandmother used to live with us, but now, she lives alone.
o Your ans,ver: ........ .................................................... .
Examiner: How would you describe your father's character?
Candidate: I-Ie is so thoughtfu l and open-minded. As a matter of fact, he has many good
qualities and has been always a mode l of behavi ou r for me. T think his life has been
an inspiration to me on many occasions.
Alternative answers:
o He has a magnetic personality, very dignified ... um ... assertive and so sympathetic.
o To describe him, I should say he is so hardworking and serious, and I think ... um ... a little
disciplined at times.
Your ans\\'er: .................................... : ..................... . .... . ............... . ......... .
o
Examiner: What is your mother like?
Candidate: It's really difficult to describe her in words, but the only thing I can say now is that
she has a heart of go ld; ext re mely kind-hearted and devoted to family. She bas
done incredible things over the years for all members of my family.
Alternative answers:
She is very patient, understanding a nd so kind. She is my nearest and dearest.
Your ans"\\'er: ............................................................................. .
o
o
Examiner: Which one do you resemble more your mother or your father?
Candidate: I look more like my father, mainly in my eyes an d facial features. Of course, my
hair is darker and curlier, but in character, Ttake after my mother more, I suppose.
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Part 1
12
Alternative answers:
o
o
In terms of appearance, I look more like my mother, but in character, I' m morc s imilar to
my father.
Your ans\ver: ........ _.... . , ......... . ..................................... _. .... . ................... _.
Examiner: Who a re you closer to, your mother or your tather?
Candidate: Urn ... It' s a difficult question , in fact, I adore both of them. Er ... but maybe I'm
morc compatible with my mother. We are mentally very close.
Alternative answers:
Er... both. Despite the fact that we are from di fferent generations, and age gap exists
between us, J get on with them very well. So I can't say which one I am closer to, as I love
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both of them.
Your ans\ver: ......... ....... ............................. . ........................................... .
Examiner: Do you often argue w ith your mother or father?
Candidate: To tell the truth, sometimes 1 do. Of course, after arguing, 1 ask them to make up
with me.
Alternative answers:
Not really. My parents are so understanding and T have the greatest regard for them. Our
parents love us, that's what. .. er ... ca ll ed 'unconditional love' and we should always respect
them.
Your ans\'Vcr: ............ . .......... . ..... . ................ . .... . .... .. ................... . ........... .
o
o
Examiner: Are you going to bring up your children any differently to the way your parents
did? Why?
Candidate: Yes and no. Let me exp lain , I believe my parents raised me well, and gave me a
good education. IfI could do the same for my children I would be happy. Maybe I
would be a little more flexible. For examp le, 1 believe my parents were
unreasonably strict at times. I would try to keep a balance between discipline and
flexibility.
Alternative answers:
1 intend to rai se my children in the same way I was brought up.
Your ~,nswer: .......... ... ..................... .... .. ... ..... ..... . ... . ..... ....... ..... .. .......... . . .
o
o
Examiner: Do you get on w ith your brother/sister well?
Candidate: Oh, that's for sure. My brother/sister and I get along so we ll. We are mentally very
much a like. I usually share my secrets with my brother/sister.
Alternative answers:
Although my brother/sister and 1 are characteristi call y kind of different, we get along very
well.
DOh, yes, totally. My brother/sister and T are so like-minded. We have a lot of things in
common.
Yes, so well. Although there is a ten year age gap between me and my brother/s ister, we get
along very well. We spend most of our lime together ... um ... we share the sa me interests
and have lots of fun together.
o
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Part 1
12
Alternative answers:
o In terms of appearance, I look more like my mother, but in character, I'm more simil ar to
my father.
Your answer: .......................... , .......... , .................... , .......... , .... , ..... , ..... , .. .
o
Examiner: Who are you closer to, your mother or your father?
Candidate: Um ... It's a difficult question, in fact, I adore both of them. Er ... but maybe I'm
more compatible with my mother. We are mentally very close.
Alternative answers:
Er. .. both. Despite the fact that we are from different generation s, and age gap exists
between us, I get on with them very well. So I can't say which one I am closer to, as 1 love
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o
both of them.
Your answer: ..................... ...... .............................................................. .
Examiner: Do you often argue with your mother or father?
Candidate: To tell the truth, sometimes I do. Of course, after arguing, I ask them to make up
wilh me.
Alternative answers:
Not really. My parents are so understanding and I bave the greatest regard for them. Our
parents love us, that's what...er. .. called ' unconditional love' and we should always respect
them.
Your answer: ................... , .... " .... , ..... , .... , .... , ..... , .... , .............................. ..
o
o
Examiner: Are you going to bring up your children any differently to the way your parents
did? Why?
Candidate: Yes and no. Let me explain, I believe my parents raised me well, and gave me a
good education. If I could do the same for my children 1 would be happy. Maybe I
would be a little more flexible. For example, I believe my parents were
unreasonably stri ct at times. I wou ld try to keep a balance between discipline and
Oex ibility.
Alternative answers:
I intend to raise my children in the same way [ was brought up.
o
o
Your answer: .............................................................................. .......... ..
Examiner: Do you get on with your brother/sister well?
Candidate: Oh, that's for sure. My brother/sister and I get along so well. We are mentally very
much alike. I usually share my secrets with my brother/s iste r.
Alternative answers:
Although my brother/sisler and I are characteristically kind of different, we get along vel)
well.
D Oh, yes, totally. My brother/s ister and I are so like-m inded. We have a lot of things ir
co mmon.
D Yes, so we ll. Although there is a ten yea r age gap between me and my brother/sister, we ge
along very well. We spend most of our time together. .. um ... we share the same interest~
and have lots of fun together.
o
Part 1
13
o Yes, very much.
)
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n
ts
We arc very close and .... um ... have the same tastes. For instance, we both
like documentaries, and neither of us ever watches chat shows.
Oh, yes, of course. In spite of our age difference, we do get along well.
Your answer: ....................... ............. .......................................... . ...... _... .
Examiner: Do you spend a lot of time with your sib lings?
Candidate: Yes, exactly so. I come from a very close-knit family. We're so dependent on each
other, and spend lots of time together.
Alternative answers:
o Unfortunately not very much. Urn .. .l wish I could. Actua ll y, we don't live in the same city.
Your answer: ................................ _............................. : ........................... .
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Examiner: What is the most important quality of your brother/sister?
Candidate: The most remarkable quality of my brother/sister is having a sense of humour.
He/she is really fun to be with. I think he/sbe has a great talent for making people
laugh; always ready to crack jokes.
Alternative answers:
D His/her determination for sure. He/she is so decisive and hardworking. His/ her litestyle has
instilled a lot of confidence in me.
D Your answer: ... ............................................................... .. .. ..... .... ........ .. .
Examiner: In what ways are you simi lar to your brother/sister?
Candidate: In fact, we are very similar in character, for example, we arc both outgoing.
Alternative answers:
D We arc very similar in personality, and have lots of things in common. For instance, we
enjoy the same sort of sports and music.
D Your ans\ver: ... ........ ............ .. ..... ..... .. .... ... .. .............. .. ......................... . . .
Examiner: Tn what ways are you different from your brother! siSler?
Candidate: We are totally differenl in character, for examp le I'm outgoing whereas he/she
tends to be more reserved.
Alternative answers:
D Um ... we are rather different in appearance ... um ... , for example I have dark skin while
he/she has fair skin, and also he/she is slightly taller than me.
D We are so unlike that no one would think we are brothers/sisters. For example, my
brother/sister is very tall and athletic, but I am average-height.
D Your ans\ver: .......... ..... ............. .. .. ... .... ... ............... .... ......... ..... .......... .... .
lery
s '"
: get
·ests
-
Examiner: What does your brother/sister look like?
Candidate: Well, he/she is about my height, sort of thin, he/she has a full head of hair
and ... er. .. wears his/her hair up. Um ... he/she sti ll has a very youthful appearance
for someone who is over fifty. Er . .. he/she has inherited my mother's good looks.
Alternative answers:
o My brother/sister is nearly as tall as I am, but a bit slimmer. He/she is so nice-looking, and
has fine delicate features; round and smil in g face. He/she is a carbon copy of my mother!
Part I
14
o M y brother/s ister and I loo k very simil ar. .. er ... there's a strikin g rese mblance. He/she is
med ium hcight...cr. .. has strai ght black hair and brown eyes. We arc so a like that peop le
often get us muddl ed up; like two peas in a pod!
o
Your ans \\'er: ................. .. ....... .... ... ..... ..... ............... ....... . ... ' ., .... ..... ... ..... .
Examiner: How do you us ually he lp your rami ly members with housework? (Ho w is
hou se work usually shared in your family?)
Ca ndidate: J usua lly he lp my wife with the housework and the ch ildren w ith the ir schoo l
ass ignm ents.
Alte r native answers:
To hel p my parents, I usually do the shopp ing and . .. cr. . . househo ld e rrands.
o
o
D
o
o
I do the cook in g . .. um ... ironing and so on.
I usua lly ta ke care of the househo ld affa irs by do ing the shopping.
Although responsibilities have been rela ti ve ly divided in our hom e. We wi lling ly help one
another. I mea n the re is great sense of cooperation in my fa mil y. For exa mpl e, everyo ne
helps with the washi ng up .
Your answer: . .. ..... ..... .. .. .. .. ..... ..... .. ............... ... ..... ... ...... ,' , .... .... ...... ... .. .. .
Examiner: Who does most o f the shopping in your fa mil y?
Cand idat e: Er .. . my mother, she usually docs most of the shopping, but my fa the r and I do
some shopping from tim e to time.
Alternative answers:
I usua ll y do the shopping myself.
Your ans\ver: ... .. .. ...... . ..... ... ..... ... ....... , .... , .... , .... . , .. ,. , .... , ., .. ... ........ ......... .
o
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Examin er: Do yO ll like being a n onl y c hild?
Candidate: Um ... not really, I think I would be happier ifl had broth ers or sisters, you know ,
sometimes I fee l lonely.
Alternative answers:
Yes, why not! Perhaps the reason is that 1 get al l my parents' attenti on. When you 're an only
chi ld, you'll be the apple of your parents' eyes !
Your a ns\ver: ... .. .. , .. ............. .. , ...... , .. .... ... , .... ..... .. ... , ... .... , ... ... ... , ......... ... . .
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Exam iner: What would you like best aboulli vilJg in ao extended fam il y?
Candidate: We ll , the best thin g that I like about li ving in a large family is e nj oying family
gath erin gs, urn .. . you never fee l lonely at a ll beca use there is always lots of
interaction.
Alternative answers:
I wou ld say feel ing secure, be ing supported and sympathi sed.
Yourans\ver: ...... .. ..... .. ....... , .. .... , .. ...... . , ....... , .. .... , ..... .
o
o
Exa miner: How often do you see your family?
Candidate: If you mean my immediate famil y, pretty frequ ently; three or four times a week.
But if you mean my extended family, not very ofte n; maybe once or twice a month .
•
Part I
15
Alternative answers:
o Urn ... roughly once a month. It's a matte r of dis tance.
D Actually, I li ve with them. Being with my fami ly gives me a wonderful sense of well-being.
o Your ans\vcr: .... .. .... .. .... .. ...... ................................... ... ...... . ... .... ............. .
Examiner: How often do you have a fa mily get-together?
Candidate: Ma inly on ho lidays.
Allernative answers:
o Fairly regularly; at weekends.
o Your ans\\'cr: .. ..... .. . .... .. ..... . ... .. .. .. . _... .. _... . .. ... . _. ' . .... .. . .. .. . _. , . . _.... _' .. ... ...... .
Examiner: Arc you happy with YOll married life?
Candidate: Yes, very much. I ha ve a good partner and feel tru ly blessed with my famil y life.
Alternative answers:
DYes, indecd. I have a good li fe and owe it all to my wife/ husba nd.
o Your ans\'Vcr: ................................. , .... ... ......................... ... . ... ...... ...... .... .
N,
.ly
lily
of
'nth.
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Examiner: Do you thi nk you are compatible with your wife/husband? (Why do you think so?)
Candidate: Yes, absolutely. We have a lot of thi ngs in common; a well-matched coupl e. We
cnjoy the same th ings and have the same ideas, and general ly were just made for
each other.
Alternative answers:
DUm ... Iike most married couples, we have had our own ups and downs, bll t now . .. lIm ... we
usually have the same perspectives an d inte rests. Successfu l marriages don 't occur, they are
created. From my po int of view, the real secret of any successful marriages is to 'forgi ve
and forget'.
Yes. I' m happy with my life in spite of the fact we sometimes get into trouble. In my view,
'give and take' is an important clement of any successfu l marri ages.
Your ans\'Ver: .............................. .......................... .......... . .... ... ... ..... ........... .
o
o
Examiner: Would you like to live with your parents after you get married?
Candidate: Um ... I don 't think so ... er. .. r prefer to stand on my own feet.
Alternative answers:
No. I'd prefer to be independent ... er.", you know, in my ow n self-contained place,
D Your ans\'Ver: .. , ... , ... , .. . , .. , .. " .. , ...... , .......................... , ............... , .. , ... , ..
o
Purt I
16
FAMILY
Questions
1. Do you live in a nuclear family or an extended family?
2. Do you have any siblings?
3. Have you got any twins brothers! sisters?
4. How close and wa rm is your family?
5. How much do you rem ember from yo ur grandparents?
6. How many aunts and uncles do you have? How ma ny first cousins do yOlI have?
7. Is there a nyone in your famil y who is not re lated but considered part of the fam il y any way?
8. Have you got a ny members of the family li ving with you?
9. How many chi ldren do yo u have/want to ha ve? What hope or fears do you have for them?
10. Do you have an y 'black sheep' in your fa mil y? (A person who is strong ly d isapproved)
11. What do you like best about your fam ily?
12. How wou ld yo u describe your rel ati onship with your parents?
13. Do you think your parents understa nd you?
14. How was your relationship with your parents while yo u were grow ing up?
15. Did yo ur mother or father ever tell you w hat their c hi ldhood was like?
16. How is your relationship with your siblings?
17. Do you share your personal secrets with your family?
18. Who do you usua lly speak to when you have a problem?
19. How much influence do yo u have on your fami ly?
20. Who is the breadwinner in yo ur family?
21. Who takes the greatest responsibility for bringing up the chil dren in your fa mily?
22. Who does mOSl of the hou sehold chores in yo ur family?
23. Whaljob do you least enj oy doing in the house?
24. Do YOli have any pa rtic ular nil es in your famil y?
25. Do you enj oy spendin g time with your family?
26. How muc h time do you usua lly spend with the members of yo ur fam ily?
27. How often do you have a family get together?
28. Have you ever had a big family reunion? On what occas ions does yo ur fami ly get together?
29. Which of your relati ves do you spend the most time with?
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ParI I
17
30. Do you ha ve much contact with your distant re latives? If so. when?
31.Are there any special times in tbe year that you spend with your relati ves? Do you socialise
with them at ot her times?
32. Tell me about one of your family 's important tradition s.
33. In what ways arc you proud of your ancestry?
34. Do you have any in-laws? Do you get along well with th em?
35. How did
YOLI
meet your spouse and what attracted you?
36. What kind of person do you want to get marri ed to?
FR IENDS
Intervi ew
Examiner: Who is your best friend? (How would you describe him/her?)
Ca ndidate: My best friend 's name is [.. .]. We've known each other for about tcn years. To
describe him/he r I should say he/she is so understanding and confidant ... um ...
he/she al so has a great sense of humour. .. cr ... so lively and full of fun; always
running around and laughing.
Alternative answers:
o Th e name of my best friend is [ ... ]. In fact , helshe' s a di stant cousin of mine. He/she is a
true friend in all senses of the word. Helshe is such a supportive person that I can always
count on. You know, when a problem occurs, he/she is always ready to back me up.
Your ans,"ver: .................................................. ... .................................... .
o
Examiner: Why do you ca ll this person your best friend?
Candidate: Because ofhis/her unique qualities. 'A friend in need is a friend indeed.' H e/she is
really supportive and always wi ll ing to help me out when a problem comes
up ... um ... he/she is such a caring person. I a lways treasure hi slher friendship.
Alternative answers:
o I regard him/her as my best friend because he/she is the kind of person you ca n always rel y
on. He/she is rea lly and truly encouraging and he lpful. I think very hi ghly ofh imlher.
o Your ans,ver: ................................................................ : ...................... .
?
Examiner: Na me three words that can be best used to desc ribe your best friend.
Candidate: I would say 'inspiring', 'conscientious' and 'understanding'.
Alternative answers:
o I would say 'o utgoing', 'trustworthy' and ' thoughtful '.
o Urn ... let me think. 'art iculate', 'supportive' and 'cheerful '.
Well,l wou ld think 'dignified', 'tactful' and 'perceptive'.
o I think the beSt words wou ld be 'loyal',' 'bright'; and 'genuine'.
o Maybe I should think for a few seconds. Er. .. 'energetic', 'lively' and' full oflife'.
o